Door lock prices range from about $10 for a basic keyed knob to $500 or more for a connected smart lock with professional installation. The lock type, security grade, door preparation, and labor usually determine the final bill; replacing hardware is less expensive when the new lock fits existing holes.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic keyed knob or lever | $10 | $35 | $90 | Hardware only; common interior or entry models |
| Single-cylinder deadbolt | $15 | $55 | $180 | Hardware only; grade and finish affect price |
| Keypad or smart deadbolt | $40 | $170 | $450 | Hardware only; app and connectivity features vary |
| Lock installation | $75 | $150 | $300 | Per lock; assumes a standard door and compatible prep |
| Lock replacement total | $90 | $220 | $700 | Hardware and labor; complex smart or commercial work can exceed this |
Assumptions: U.S. prices for common residential doors, standard hardware, and ordinary access; regional labor, sales tax, and door repairs can change totals.
What homeowners pay for common door lock types
A typical residential lock replacement costs $90-$300 installed, while feature-rich smart or specialty hardware can push the total to $700 or more. The lower end covers a basic knob or deadbolt swapped into an existing opening. The average reflects a midrange deadbolt and a locksmith or handyman visit. High quotes generally involve keypad or connected hardware, difficult access, multiple locks, or door modifications.
Hardware-only prices vary widely by function. A basic passage knob, which does not lock, often costs $10-$35. A keyed entry knob or lever commonly costs $20-$90, while a standard single-cylinder deadbolt is about $15-$180. Decorative finishes, reinforced construction, and recognized security grades can raise the price.
Electronic options have a wider range. A standalone keypad deadbolt typically costs $40-$250 for hardware; app-connected models often run $100-$450. Smart locks that replace only the interior thumb-turn can cost $80-$250, but they must match the existing deadbolt and may require a hub or compatible phone system.
Commercial cylindrical locks often cost $40-$250 before installation. Mortise locks, which fit into a pocket cut into the door edge, commonly cost $150-$600 for hardware alone. They are less interchangeable than residential deadbolts, so a replacement may require a locksmith familiar with the door and existing lock body.
How deadbolts, handles, and smart features shape a quote
Most invoices separate the lockset from the work needed to fit, adjust, or program it. A straightforward changeout is usually less expensive than adding a new deadbolt hole, fixing a misaligned strike plate, or setting up several connected locks. The table shows typical U.S. ranges for a single residential door.
| Quote item | Typical price | Unit or scope | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic lock hardware | $15-$90 | Per knob, lever, or deadbolt | Finish, grade, brand, and keyed configuration |
| Smart lock hardware | $100-$450 | Per lock | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, keypad, fingerprint, and hub needs |
| Installation labor | $75-$200 | Per standard lock | Existing hole fit, alignment, and service minimum |
| Door drilling or edge prep | $50-$175 | Per new opening or adjustment | Door material, thickness, and required bore size |
| Rekeying | $20-$50 | Per cylinder, often with a service fee | Number of locks and whether cylinders are compatible |
| Trip or service minimum | $50-$150 | Per visit | Distance, urgency, and local market |
Labor rates commonly fall around $75-$150 per hour, but locksmiths often charge a minimum visit fee rather than billing an exact fraction of an hour. A single lock change may take 30-60 minutes when the door is prepared correctly; drilling, troubleshooting, or smart-lock setup can add time.
Ask whether the quote includes the lock, installation, new keys, programming, and disposal of old hardware. A low labor figure may exclude a trip charge or door adjustment. Sales tax may apply to hardware, and emergency calls can add a separate after-hours fee.
Door thickness, security grade, and bore size change prices
Compatibility and security specifications often matter more than the lock’s appearance. Most residential deadbolts are designed for doors about 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick and standard bore holes. A thicker door, narrow stile, glass panel, or nonstandard backset can require special hardware or extra labor.
Backset is the distance from the door edge to the center of the lock bore. Common residential measurements are 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inches. Many adjustable locks cover both, but older or custom doors may not. If the new lock does not match the existing bore or latch dimensions, a locksmith may need to enlarge or reposition openings, adding roughly $50-$175 per door.
Security grade also affects the purchase price. ANSI/BHMA Grade 3 hardware is generally a budget residential choice, often $15-$80 for a deadbolt. Grade 2 options commonly cost $40-$180, and higher-security or commercial Grade 1 hardware can range from $100-$400 or more. Grade alone does not guarantee a complete security solution; installation and door-frame strength matter too.
Smart features add both hardware and setup considerations. A keypad model may work without a network, while remote access usually depends on Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or a hub. Connectivity hardware can add $30-$100, and programming several user codes may add $25-$100 if included as a separate service. Battery-powered locks also need periodic battery replacement.
Door material and condition can create less obvious charges. Metal doors may need suitable bits and careful drilling; a soft or damaged wood jamb may require reinforcement. If the latch does not align with the strike plate, adjustment may cost $30-$100. A warped door or loose frame can require carpentry beyond a lock installer’s basic quote.
Why installation labor can exceed the hardware price
Installation is cheapest when the replacement uses the same lock type, bore, and backset as the old one. A basic changeout often costs $75-$150 in labor, excluding hardware. A new deadbolt installation into a door without a prepared opening is more commonly $125-$300, depending on drilling, door material, and frame work.
A locksmith visit may have a minimum charge of $50-$150 even when the task takes less than an hour. Multi-lock jobs can lower the labor cost per lock if completed during one visit, but the invoice may still include a trip fee. Ask for the labor total for the full job, not just the hourly rate.
Smart-lock installation can take 45-90 minutes when the device fits the existing door and the homeowner has the necessary app access. Setup may take longer if the Wi-Fi signal is weak, the lock needs a hub, or the door must be adjusted. Confirm whether app pairing, code setup, and a function test are included.
Emergency lockout service is priced differently from planned replacement. Daytime, non-emergency service may be around $75-$200 before hardware; nights, weekends, and holidays can add $50-$200 or more. A damaged lock, broken key, or locked-out situation can also require opening work before a new lock can be installed.
How regional locksmith rates shift the installed price
Urban labor markets and emergency availability can raise the installed total even when the same lock is purchased. For a routine single-lock replacement, a broad planning allowance is $100-$250 in many lower-cost suburban or rural markets, $150-$350 in higher-cost metro areas, and $250-$600 or more for urgent, complex, or premium smart-lock work.
These are planning ranges rather than fixed regional price lists. High-cost coastal metros may run roughly 15%-35% above national midrange labor, while smaller markets can be 10%-20% below it. Travel distance matters in rural areas: a contractor may add $25-$100 for a long drive or charge a minimum visit fee.
Scope can outweigh geography. Two standard deadbolts installed during one scheduled visit may cost less per unit than one urgent lock change after hours. A commercial mortise lock, a historic door, or a door requiring frame repair can exceed the typical residential metro range anywhere in the country.
To compare local bids, request the hardware brand and model, labor, service fee, drilling or repair charges, and tax as separate line items. Check whether the quote covers new keys and smart-device setup. A written total makes it easier to spot a low estimate that omits the trip charge or door preparation.
Keyed locks, keypad models, and smart deadbolts compared
The least expensive lock is not always the lowest-cost choice if the door needs frequent rekeying or remote access. A keyed deadbolt is simple and usually economical; a keypad avoids carrying a key; a connected smart lock may add remote control, activity alerts, or temporary codes. Each step up in features can increase both purchase and installation cost.
| Lock choice | Hardware price | Installed estimate | Typical trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keyed knob or lever | $20-$90 | $95-$240 | Affordable, but a knob lock alone is not a substitute for a deadbolt |
| Single-cylinder deadbolt | $15-$180 | $90-$350 | Reliable basic entry security; needs a physical key |
| Keypad deadbolt | $40-$250 | $125-$450 | Convenient codes, usually battery powered |
| Connected smart deadbolt | $100-$450 | $200-$700 | Remote features can depend on Wi-Fi, hub, and app compatibility |
| Commercial mortise lock | $150-$600 | $300-$1,000 | Durable specialized hardware; fit and installation are more involved |
Rekeying is a practical alternative when the existing lock works and only the key access needs to change. A locksmith commonly charges $20-$50 per cylinder, often plus a visit fee. Replacing a basic deadbolt may make more sense if the lock is worn, damaged, or incompatible with the desired key system.
DIY installation can avoid labor charges when the door already has standard holes and the buyer can follow the manufacturer’s instructions. New drilling, mortise work, door-frame repair, or a malfunctioning smart lock can make professional installation worthwhile. Improper alignment can prevent the bolt from extending fully, so the finished lock should be tested with the door open and closed.
Three door lock quotes for common replacement jobs
These examples show how hardware, labor, and scope combine into realistic totals. Prices assume scheduled work, ordinary access, and no sales tax; local service minimums and door condition can move the estimate.
| Job | Hardware | Labor and service | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace one standard deadbolt with matching bore | $45-$90 | $90-$160 | $135-$250 |
| Add a keypad deadbolt to a prepared wood door | $100-$220 | $125-$225 | $225-$445 |
| Replace two keyed entry locks and rekey cylinders | $80-$180 | $150-$275 | $230-$455 |
In the first example, the existing deadbolt opening is standard and the strike plate needs little adjustment. If the hole must be enlarged, add roughly $50-$175. For the keypad job, the estimate includes basic installation and code setup, but not a separate hub or Wi-Fi troubleshooting.
The two-lock example assumes both doors accept standard hardware and the cylinders can be keyed alike. If the locks are from incompatible systems, replacing cylinders or selecting matching hardware can add $30-$100 or more. A quote should state whether rekeying is included or billed separately.
Ways to lower a door lock replacement bill
Matching the replacement to the existing door preparation is usually the simplest way to control cost. Before buying hardware, record the door thickness, backset, bore diameter, lock function, and handing where relevant. Choosing a compatible model can avoid drilling charges and return trips.
Keep a working lock and rekey it when the goal is simply to invalidate old keys. Rekeying several compatible cylinders during one visit can cost less than replacing every lock. If the existing hardware is damaged or lacks a needed feature, compare the rekey price with a like-for-like replacement rather than automatically upgrading the whole door.
Schedule non-urgent work during normal business hours. Avoiding nights, weekends, and holidays can save the emergency surcharge, often $50-$200 or more. Combine locks at the same property into one appointment and ask whether the trip fee is shared across the work.
Choose features that will actually be used. A standalone keypad can cost less than a connected lock with a hub, subscription-dependent functions, or remote access. For a smart model, verify phone compatibility and network requirements before purchasing. The homeowner can also clear the work area and have the correct app and account ready, reducing setup delays.
Compare at least two written estimates with the same scope. Ask each provider to itemize hardware, labor, service minimum, drilling, rekeying, programming, and warranty. A quote that is $50 lower may not be cheaper if it excludes the service call or required door adjustment. Verify the final total before work begins.
When a keypad upgrade costs less than repeated rekeying
Repeated key changes and access needs can affect the long-term value of a lock choice. A basic rekey is often $20-$50 per cylinder plus any trip fee, so changing access on several doors multiple times can approach the price of a keypad upgrade. The comparison depends on the number of locks, local service minimums, and whether the existing hardware remains in good condition.
A keypad deadbolt commonly costs $40-$250 for hardware and about $125-$450 installed. It can reduce the need to distribute physical keys or call a locksmith after a routine change in access, but it does not eliminate maintenance. Batteries, worn buttons, forgotten codes, and mechanical key backups still need consideration.
A connected model typically costs $100-$450 for hardware and $200-$700 installed. Remote code management may be useful when access changes often, but there may be additional costs for a hub, compatible smart-home equipment, or network improvements. Check warranty coverage and whether the manufacturer requires a subscription for specific features.
For a single household that rarely changes keys, a well-fitted keyed deadbolt may remain the lower-cost option. For a rental or shared-access door, keypad convenience can justify the higher initial price if it avoids repeated service calls. A door with a weak jamb or misaligned bolt should be repaired before paying extra for electronic features.